Letters to the Editor, Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Schools need more armed presence

Regarding the issue of arming teachers:

Whether it's a teacher or more police, I'm strongly in favor of more armed presence in our schools. Personally, if I were a teacher, I would want a weapon close by and I would train regularly to be able to use it safely.

One of the many unhappy issues about school shootings is that time (seconds, not minutes) is of the essence. At the sound of the first gunshot, someone is dead.

Tom Carlstrom, Bonita Springs

Denial, denial, denial

It seems that we have passed the point that even the most patient and tolerant among us can absorb any more of the bilge water cascading from the Oval Office.

Denials from the president himself, his aides, spokespeople and lawyers regarding his voracious sexual activity with numerous women and going back years seem to be nonstop.

There have been denials that there was any attempt to coerce or bully FBI or any Justice Department officials from pursuing any Russian involvement and interference with the outcome of our general elections.

There have been denials that there was any money laundering and self-dealing on the part of high-ranking Donald Trump presidential campaign officials as well as family members.

There have been denials that personal data was accessed using Facebook and other social media and manipulated to reach specific demographic groups in crucial swing electoral districts.

There have been denials that Trump‘s income tax returns and financial dealings were deliberately hidden and withheld from public and legal scrutiny.

There have been denials and bald-faced falsehoods regarding the misuse and abuse of public funds by Trump-appointed cabinet officials.

Where will it end? How much more must we endure before pulling the plug on this fetid pool of obfuscation and denials? How much longer must we stand appalled and embarrassed by this crude and ill-equipped holder of the highest office in the land?

Robert P. Sanchez, Naples

Trump undermined by ‘the swamp’

President Donald Trump has been set up, but it’s America and our future that is being undermined.

Special counsel Robert Mueller was appointed in May 2017 to investigate Russian efforts to influence the 2016 presidential election and related matters. He’s authorized to investigate any link or coordination between the Russian government and president Trump’s campaign and any matters that may arise directly from the investigation.

Ten months later, the investigation is without limitation, evidence or end: unlimited spending, wasteful use of FBI personnel, Democratic obstruction, RINOs (Republicans in name only), snowflakes and the “deep state” are well on the way to destroying America.

Americans have overcome all prior efforts to defeat the United States, the last bastion of individual freedom. The British (twice), Germany (twice) and Japan, Russia and all other foreign powers that tried. Now we are under attack, not by nations, but from within.

America’s defeat will come as our citizens continue to turn their backs on what made us great. Morality, family structure, personal responsibility, patriotism and belief in God and country are all under attack.

As I write, I truly believed we had the opportunity to return America to greatness.
Then a 2,200-page spending bill was passed and both political parties claimed victory. Like Obamacare, few legislators know or care what is in the bill. Boondoggle spending on special-interest projects increases, as does our debt. Welfare spending continues to grow a larger dependent constituency and voting bloc.

Many incumbents sold out to ensure re-election. Look for candidates in the midterm elections who will work and fight for America and the American dream.

Trump, the outsider we elected, tries but is undermined by the swamp.

Frank W. Pliml, Naples

Beach space being stolen

It’s a disturbing trend and it’s getting worse: vendors are taking the prime beach locations by placing row after row of cabanas and beach chairs, neatly and generously spaced, early in the morning, forcing residents and visitors to cram like cattle into what’s left. The charm that used to be our beaches is being replaced by crass commercialization and it’s not pretty.

Is this being sanctioned by our government or are the vendors using bully tactics on their own? My guess is that the vendors are paying a fee for the privilege of being piggish. To make a bad situation even worse, many of these cabanas and chairs sit empty for the day and consequently deny beach space to taxpayers and tourists.

The city and county beaches belong to us, the taxpayers. If our government is selling the right to prime beach space, this wrong is and shortsighted. The long game should be to make our beaches as appealing to visitors as possible so they’ll come here and pump money into our economy. I’m talking real money, not the nickels and dimes that might be realized from the vendors. If these vendors are not paying for the right to ruin our beaches, then the beach patrol should put a stop to this “saving space.”

The beaches are our draw; ruin the beaches and you ruin Naples. Visitors will recognize that they are not being catered to and will find another beach city that is more welcoming.

Joe Johnson, Naples

Hospital staff caring, professional

Recently I needed to go to an emergency room due to multiple issues. I had to make a choice as to which hospital to go to.

I decided to go to NCH Baker Hospital Downtown. This was one of the smartest choices I have ever made. From the minute I arrived in the emergency room, the professionalism of the technicians, nurses and doctors was very apparent, which definitely has a calming effect.

Fast-forward to six days later on the sixth floor of the north wing: I have to acknowledge every person I came in contact with (and there were a lot) made it their business to make me feel I was the only person on the floor. I couldn't even begin to thank all of them personally but wanted to put it in writing that they will not be forgotten.

Thank you again. Is NCH my hospital? You better believe it.

Arthur Carbo Sr., Naples

Invigorating spa visit

Recently, I was on vacation in the beautiful city of Naples. I have family here so I come at least once a year.

Every time I come to Naples I make sure I make an appointment at Omni Balanced Life Center. It’s a spa that provides traditional and holistic therapeutic services. I'm writing to you because people need to know about this place. Not only is it beautiful and relaxing, but every time I leave there I feel like a new woman.

My latest visit involved a treatment using a BioCharger. Now, this thing looks like something from "Back to the Future." What is it? The BioCharger NG is a hybrid subtle energy revitalization platform. The transmitted energy stimulates and invigorates the entire body to optimize and improve potential health, wellness and athletic performance. The BioCharger NG is completely noninvasive and has proven to restore strength, stamina, coordination and mental clarity.

Let me tell you, it was amazing. If you haven't visited this spa, I recommend you make an appointment. You won't regret it.

Tracy Carbary, Whitmore Lake, Mich.

Keep art on buildings

In the past few years, Bayshore Road has become and will continue to become a vibrant, colorful art, artisan and business district where people are no longer afraid to visit, start a business or live. It has come a long way from the seedy part of town known for hookers and druggies.

To cover over or remove the paintings that embellish some of the buildings is, in my opinion, a step back to the bad old days. Leave them alone and encourage more. I did seem to read that art is a version of free speech.

Gail Pica, Naples

Thanks for supporting Special Olympics

Our Special Olympics Florida-Collier County athletes extend heartfelt thanks to the Naples Italian American Foundation for once again generously supporting our organization.

For 17 years, this organization has welcomed our bocce program into their facilities throughout our training season, from January through May. Members of the foundation also volunteer countless hours as coaches for our bocce team, teaching our athletes the rules and strategies of bocce. Because of their support, our team once again enjoyed a highly successful season.

While many organizations in our community share their facilities with us for training our athletes, few help with every aspect of the training the way the Naples Italian American Foundation does.

To volunteer with our inspiring athletes, call 239-775-1991 or email info@specialolympicscollier.org. For more information, visit our website at www.specialolympicscollier.org.

David McKenzie, Naples

Attend meeting, speak out

Collier County staff, under the direction of county commissioners, has been developing a new community housing plan for approximately one year. There are multiple elements of this plan, including changes to existing county policy concerning and affecting affordable housing. Some of these elements have already been presented and accepted by the County Commission; however, others are still pending.

Recently, the search for county-owned property which could potentially be utilized for affordable housing has narrowed its focus to two sites: Manatee Park off Manatee Road and Roost Road and Benbridge Planned Unit Development just off Santa Barbara Boulevard.

The county staff will present its findings at the Collier County Parks & Recreation Advisory Board meeting to be held on April 18 in the exhibit hall of North Collier Regional Park at 2 p.m. The public is invited to attend, to listen and to voice opinions both on the topic of affordable housing and the potential loss of precious parkland (Manatee Park) to housing. Speaker slips will be available for anyone wishing to express their views.